Can a labrador be a guide dog?

Answer 1

Not too likely as the husky would probably eat the game animal. There dogs are working dogs and generally sled pulling animals. Still, they are very intelligent and they might be so trained as a hunting dog. I would not want that job myself, but you might give it a try. Rabbits, to start, perhaps.

Answer 2

Yes, there have been Collies that are used as guide dogs, although this is relatively uncommon. The Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador and Golden Retriever mixes and German Shepherd are much popular choices as a guide dog.

The Rough Collie's longhaired coat requires regular grooming, and the maintenance is relatively inconvenient for visually impaired people. Both the Rough and Smooth variety is also a heavy shedder. The Collie is also a vocal dog and shows strong herding instincts to chase moving objects, and both behaviors are unacceptable for a guide dog. Shyness and timidity may also appear in some lines and in Collies that weren't socialized well enough, and they are prone to separation anxiety. An ideal guide dog should, however, have a placid, easy-going nature and should remain calm in all circumstances.
Most guide dogs are trained by professional guide dog schools such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Seeing Eye, or Canine Companions for Independence. They use mostly labradors and golden retrievers. Guide dogs are usually not owner-trained. Guide dogs have to wear a large harness to assist their handler. Collies have long fur and this type of harness would likely mat their fur. Matted fur is ugly and often painful. Collies have a high maintenance coat and would likely be difficult for a blind person to care for as they can't see the problem areas and would have to do it all by feel. Collies are used as service dogs but I have never seen one as a guide dog.

Answer 3

Yes, there have been Collies that are used as guide dogs, although this is relatively uncommon. The Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador and Golden Retriever mixes and German Shepherd are much popular choices as a guide dog.

The Rough Collie's longhaired coat requires regular grooming, and the maintenance is relatively inconvenient for visually impaired people. Both the Rough and Smooth variety is also a heavy shedder. The Collie is also a vocal dog and shows strong herding instincts to chase moving objects, and both behaviors are unacceptable for a guide dog. Shyness and timidity may also appear in some lines and in Collies that weren't socialized well enough, and they are prone to separation anxiety. An ideal guide dog should, however, have a placid, easy-going nature and should remain calm in all circumstances.

Answer 4

Yes, there are huskies being trained, but not many. Each program has their choice candidates. Not many use huskies however.